Naseem Shah Out, Surprise Pacer In; Pakistan's Strongest XI For 1st T20I Vs Australia
Naseem Shah's last T20I appearance came during the WC [Source: @Mussskey/X]
After registering a historic series win in the three-match ODI series, Pakistan are set to lock horns with Australia in a T20I series Down Under. Led by Mohammad Rizwan, the Men in Green showcased remarkable skill and resilience in the ODI leg, leaving the Aussies shell-shocked with their clinical performance across departments. However, the shortest format will be a different challenge altogether for Pakistan, as Australia will be eyeing revenge in the three-match series.
Pakistan's T20I squad has a completely different look, with several ODI specialists missing out. As the visitors gear up for the much-awaited series, let's analyse and find out their strongest playing combination for the opening encounter at The Gabba in Brisbane.
Usman Khan To Replace Saim Ayub As Pakistan's T20I Opener
Explosive left-handed opener Saim Ayub hasn't been included in Pakistan's T20I squad for the Australia series. Therefore, he will be replaced by Usman Khan, who is renowned for his scintillating stroke play at the top order. The promising batter will likely open the batting alongside skipper Mohammad Rizwan.
Babar Azam To Form Pakistan's Batting Core With Agha Salman
Talismanic batter Babar Azam will be Pakistan's number three as he has enjoyed stellar success at that position. The stylish batter from Lahore will likely be followed by the newly appointed vice-captain Agha Salman. The batting all-rounder generally bats in the upper middle order for his PSL franchise Islamabad United, and, he can chip in with a few overs of off spin apart from scoring crucial runs for his side.
Arafat Minhas and Muhammad Irfan Khan will likely be Pakistan's finishers, with the dynamic Jahandad Khan assisting them in the lower middle order. Jahandad is a promising seam-bowling all-rounder, who can bowl a few quality overs of medium pace.
Will Pakistan Consider Replacing Naseem Shah With Abbas Afridi?
Regarding Pakistan's bowling department, ace speedster Shaheen Afridi will spearhead the attack with the in-form Haris Rauf. Both Shaheen and Haris were exceptional with the ball in the ODIs and would like to replicate the same in the T20I leg.
Meanwhile, the visitors might consider excluding Naseem Shah from their playing XI for the 1st T20I as they have a formidable new ball bowling pair of Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf. In 28 T20Is, Naseem has bagged only 24 wickets and relies on conditions to succeed in white-ball cricket.
So, considering the surface in Brisbane will offer true pace and bounce, Pakistan might bring Abbas Afridi into the XI, given that the right-arm pacer can outfox the Australian batters with his variations. Being a tall pacer, Afridi also hits the deck and generates some extra zip and kick off the pitch. Meanwhile, left-arm chinaman spinner Sufiyan Muqeem could be handed his debut T20I cap and asked to lead Pakistan's spin bowling department.
Pakistan's Strongest Playing XI For 1st T20I vs Australia
Mohammad Rizwan (C/WK), Usman Khan, Babar Azam, Salman Ali Agha, Arafat Minhas, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Jahandad Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem, Haris Rauf, Abbas Afridi